The Slide Valley, Sand Bowl, and Fountain Plaza were among the features at Gipson Play Plaza in Dix Park that welcomed children for one of the first times Saturday.
Raleigh's newest recreation option held a sneak peek for select families ahead of the June 6 grand opening.
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The 18.5-acre plaza includes climbing towers, interactive water features modeled after the Historic Yates Mill, picnic areas and a market for families.
"There is no other park like it in the southeast United States," said Raleigh Parks Director Stephen Bentley. "And very few, probably, you can count on one hand in the entire United States."
Raleigh officials are calling the play plaza a one-of-a-kind landmark at Dix Park, with hopes that it will draw visitors and signal a milestone for recreation plus economic development in the city.
"It's the first milestone for the park. In our 10-year history, we're now at a really great crossroads for the park to bring people, not only from Raleigh, but all across the state of North Carolina."
Visitors shared in the excitement at their first chance to use the plaza's features after more than two years of construction.
"I like it. The slides are the most fun," said Susanna Scheffel, 9.
Raleigh's 2022 Parks Bond partially funded the Play Plaza, along millions of dollars in private sector donations. That includes $10 million fundraising from Pat and Tom Gipson, the plaza's namesake.
Tom Gipson recalled memories of playing on a large swing at his childhood home in upstate New York.
"It was...a gift for the community because everyone in our community was welcome to come and play on our swing and they did. That's the same spirit we have with this facility," said Gipson.
The Play Plaza will host a series of public events including a festive ribbon cutting on June 6.